Hey everyone, I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a smaller city city with about 39,912 people. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Has anyone dealt with this? The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
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Ava Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 29, moved here 3 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Pine Hills and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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